The Procrastination Plague; Do you have it?
The Procrastination Plague; Do you have it?
|
|
You’re blessed beyond all measure if you’re one of the few people who aren’t plagued with the problem of procrastination. Most of us procrastinate in one form or another. This common thief of time can quietly rob you of precious minutes, hours, and sometimes years before you realize they’re gone. You search for them and wonder where the time has gone, but it’s too late.
The task you intended to complete today was put off until tomorrow. There always seems to be good reason to do so, but you can’t remember why just now. Procrastination comes in many disguises, and they are often good ones. It’s called rationalization sometimes. You say, “I didn’t get started on that project because the weather was too hot or I didn’t have all the parts or there was not enough time to finish so I didn’t start, etc.” One can always come up with many good reasons to delay a project.
Procrastination can become a habit. We find ways to delay a task because there are other things more important to do. Many times these are merely excuses because you don’t feel like doing something so procrastination looms its ugly head.
You must recognize a real reason to delay as opposed to just an excuse not to do something you don’t want to do. Ask yourself if that job really needs to be done and if your answer is yes then get it done. Of course it may not be easy to do that, but when you finish reward yourself for a victory over procrastination. When the job is complete assess what you’ve done to see if it was worth the time and effort. Perhaps you were procrastinating for good reason, but that’s rarely the case. Sometimes it’s not worth the time and effort, but its something that must be done regardless.
Lack of direction can cause you to procrastinate because you’re uncertain of what to do next. Disorganization could be the father of procrastination. Get organized with a to-do list with the most urgent task at the top. Make a deal with yourself that you must do at least one thing on the list no matter what. Small, even tiny steps can make all the difference in getting things done.
Huge projects can be daunting so it is better to make several smaller steps where possible. You can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel with big projects because the whole thing seems overwhelming. Cut a slice out of that huge task, one day at a time, and soon it will be over and done with.
A small manageable task is much more palatable than trying to swallow an entire project. No matter how small the success it’s another step toward completion. It’s better to take small steps and accomplish them than put off indefinitely big tasks that you never even start.
Make a decision on what needs to be done and do it. Like a famous advertisement “just do it!” Even if it’s wrong at least you’ve done something. Indecision can cause major delays in both your business and personal live. It’s easier to make a decision if you create a list of smaller tasks within a larger task. Once you have a clear direction, your mind clears and the path becomes apparent.
Fear of failure can cause procrastination. Fear of not being able to find the time to even do it is even worse. The failure lies in never getting started. Difficult and dreaded tasks are rarely as bad as they seem at the beginning. It really is just your frame of mind that often causes problems and procrastination.
Stop procrastinating today. That is so easy to say and often difficult for many people to adhere to. You can, however, fight the urge to procrastinate. Find a way to make a decision to just do it, whatever the dreaded task and once you do your whole attitude changes, for the better. Don’t put it off. Do it today – for tomorrow may never come. You can win the procrastination wars.
About the Author
Charles is the webmaster of several websites along with writing articles for many sites. His newest site with bird quotes has many of the common quotes you hear and use in everyday life. Relationship issues are discussed on another site and even hairstyles on another. Laptop carriers and other laptop accessories are highlighted on a laptop site.
Leave a Comment